Chapter 1531: Life In The Small Town

In the kitchen, wisps of smoke rose from the stove.

After writing a few more calligraphy pieces and tidying up the stone table, Yi Feng also entered the kitchen to help Yun Yaoyao prepare the meal.

Yun Yaoyao had bought only meat. Due to the red moon, seasonal vegetables in the town had become extremely scarce, so she hadn’t been able to purchase any. Yi Feng didn’t mind, though. He prepared a dish of sweet and sour pork ribs.

After some busy work, Yun Yaoyao brought out a bowl of braised pork, a bowl of sweet and sour pork ribs, and two bowls of wontons, placing them on the stone table. She then set out the bowls and chopsticks, cleaned the pot, and finally sat down at the stone table.

The gloomy sky didn’t affect their appetites. They ate slowly, savoring the dishes they had prepared. After filling their stomachs, Yi Feng let out a satisfied burp. He stood up, smiled faintly, and said, “There are some people playing chess at the town entrance. I’ll go join them for a couple of games. You’ll have to take care of cleaning up here.”

“It’s no trouble at all. This is Yaoyao’s duty…” Yun Yaoyao replied.

Yi Feng nodded slightly, then strolled out of the small courtyard with his hands behind his back.

The following days passed just as leisurely. Yi Feng spent his time practicing calligraphy, cooking, and occasionally enjoying a few sips of wine. Later, feeling that drinking alone was dull, he invited Yun Yaoyao to join him. Seeing her face flush red from the wine, Yi Feng couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy.

To Yi Feng, Yun Yaoyao wasn’t just a servant; he regarded her as an old friend. Over the years, he had witnessed her dedication and hard work.

The days continued to pass, with darkness still shrouding the land.

One day, as Yi Feng and Yun Yaoyao were eating at the stone table, there was a knock at the courtyard gate. The visitor noticed the gate was slightly ajar and pushed it open a bit further. Yi Feng looked up and saw it was their neighbor, Uncle Wang, a burly man with a thick beard.

“Uncle Wang! Have you eaten yet? Come in and sit down!” Yi Feng stood up and warmly welcomed him.

Uncle Wang chuckled and walked into the courtyard, carrying about ten pounds of wild boar ribs. “Young Master Yi, this is from my wife’s uncle. He hunted this wild boar in the mountains. It’s good stuff! This is for you and your wife to enjoy!”

Hearing this, Yun Yaoyao’s face turned bright red. To the townsfolk, Yi Feng and Yun Yaoyao appeared to be a young married couple. The pair, with their striking looks and harmonious demeanor, were well-liked by the townspeople, who took good care of the newly settled couple.

Yi Feng didn’t bother to explain or decline. He simply accepted the meat. “Thank you, Uncle Wang. There’s still some food in the pot. Why don’t you sit down and join us?”

Uncle Wang waved his hand. “No, no, we’ve already eaten at home. Another day, I’ll have my wife cook up a feast for you to try her cooking.”

Yi Feng smiled and thanked his neighbor. Over the past few days, Yi Feng had grown closer to the townsfolk. He often played chess with the elderly men at the town entrance and occasionally went fishing. Whenever he caught fish, he would share them with his neighbors.

One day, the town was filled with the sounds of drums and gongs, and the atmosphere was jubilant. Yi Feng was puzzled. It wasn’t a festival, and the New Year was still months away. Such a grand celebration could only mean something significant had happened.

Yi Feng stepped out of his courtyard and saw his neighbor, Auntie Wang, also watching the commotion. He walked over and asked her what was going on.

“The son of the Niu family in town has been discovered to have an extraordinary talent! He’s been selected to join the Canghai Sect as an outer disciple. This is a huge celebration for our town!” Auntie Wang explained excitedly.

“Someone who can cultivate! To have such an outstanding young man from our town brings honor to all of us!” she added.

Yi Feng finally understood the reason for the celebration. It was indeed a joyous occasion! Old Man Niu was one of Yi Feng’s chess partners, and Yi Feng was genuinely happy for him.

Auntie Wang continued, “I won’t chat anymore. I need to prepare some gifts. I’ll be heading over to the Niu family to offer my congratulations soon.”

Yi Feng smiled and said, “Auntie, wait for me. I’ll go back and prepare something too. We can go together.”

Auntie Wang laughed. “You’re quite the thoughtful young man. Let me know when you’re ready, and we’ll go together.”

In such a simple and honest place, gift-giving wasn’t about currying favor. It was a tradition to celebrate each other’s joys and support each other in times of need.

Yi Feng returned to his courtyard and retrieved an ordinary-looking iron sword from his spiritual sea. Yun Yaoyao, with her keen senses, had overheard Yi Feng’s conversation with Auntie Wang. She was puzzled and asked, “Master, since it’s a congratulatory gift, why not give a better sword? The one you’re holding now is only slightly better than ordinary iron…”

To Yun Yaoyao, Yi Feng possessed countless divine weapons. Giving such a crude iron sword seemed beneath his status.

Yi Feng shook his head slightly and said calmly, “A common man is innocent, but his possession of a treasure may bring him harm. Giving him a better sword would only bring unnecessary trouble.”

Yun Yaoyao suddenly understood. It wasn’t that she wasn’t attentive, but her current level of cultivation was so high that she rarely encountered opponents even in the vast cosmos. Her perspective was naturally influenced by this. Sometimes, having too lofty a vision wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

Afterward, Yi Feng went next door to fetch Auntie Wang and her family. Together, they headed to the Niu family to offer their congratulations. Along the way, they saw a steady stream of townsfolk bringing gifts. The Niu family warmly received everyone.

The young man from the Niu family, with a large red flower pinned to his chest, stood at the entrance, smiling and welcoming the well-wishers. “Auntie Wang, please come in and sit down!” “Oh, Uncle Seven, you’re here too! Please, come inside!”

The Niu family had prepared wine and food to entertain the guests. Though the fare was simple, the atmosphere was filled with joy.

Auntie Wang’s family brought half a wild boar as their gift. Most of the other townsfolk also brought daily necessities. Only Yi Feng presented a weapon—the plain iron sword.

When Yi Feng handed over the unremarkable iron sword, the young man from the Niu family was pleasantly surprised. He carefully examined the sword, gently running his fingers along the blade. He could tell that this sword was special, its quality far surpassing that of ordinary iron. To him, it was a rare and valuable treasure.

He repeatedly thanked Yi Feng, who simply smiled and said it was nothing to fuss about.

Old Man Niu quickly stepped forward and personally escorted Yi Feng into the courtyard. Several elderly men who often played chess with Yi Feng were delighted to see him. “Young Master Yi, sit here, sit here!”

Old Man Niu laughed. “No need to rush. I was just about to seat Young Master Yi next to you!”

Amid the laughter, Yi Feng smiled and took his seat, lifting the hem of his robe as he sat down. Auntie Wang, watching Yi Feng being so warmly received, felt a sense of relief. After all, Yi Feng was an outsider who hadn’t been in town for long. But she always felt that this young man not only had a handsome appearance but also a natural charisma that drew people to him.